Xmas Day. Well, we did have a barbecue on the beach at Taroona Bay but it was quite late by the time Chris and Elen got away so pics aren't great. Elen swam and pronounced the water lovely and warm - we took her word for it! There was a family group nearby including a student nurse from the department, a keen climber (the vast majority of their colleagues are into some or several sports, one reason Chris loves it here). She and her partner rigged up a tightrope between the trees. Chris was hoping I'd have a go but I'm afraid I chickened out. It had been a very hot day and Jon and I lazed the day away reading in the shade too lazy to go and look at what was going on on the beach, which We should have done. So that was our strange Xmas, apart from phone calls home, burgers, sausages and tightrope walking on the beach.
We started out by saying we would just spend time here more or less as at home in a very leisurely routine but I've been a bit seduced by the knowledge that I'm sitting on an island I might not visit again. Even if I do, there's lots of exploring out there. Senior-style exploring admittedly. Like finding a good restaurant with a sea view, or organising a temporary disabled badge, or working out a back route home from the shops. My god, that sounds boring. But it hasn't been. Next week we may feel a little younger when we go to the Cygnet Folk Festival.
Chris and Elen are spending three days as medics at the Falls Festival at the moment, the biggest festival in Tasmania. He'll pay for it with 5-6 days continuous shifts afterwards so we won't see much of him for a while. However middle of the month he has a few days off so we are hoping to go away again for a night or two, up the East coast this time.
Just heard the news that there was a serious crush at the Falls Festival with 60 injured, 13 seriously. But it was in Victoria, not Tasmania, so there must be several different venues for the same event. That one must have kept the medics busy.
So what else have we been doing? Continuing to stock our rental with bits and bobs from charity shops such as kitchen utensils and containers, DVDs to watch and books to read. I've been thinking often of our Canadian friend Maryse (who may well read this so I'd better be careful). She and her partner travel a great deal and for long periods. She carries with her her favourite chefs knife, yeast flakes and other equipment she feels essential. Here we had no sharp knife, no containers for left-overs etc, no table mats. I know, I know, you're laughing at me, as indeed I am myself. Maryse wouldn't, I'm sure.
Now we're all organised the apartment suits us well. Josie is not often around but very pleasant when we meet. We use her washing machine and clothes rack and lovely garden. It only takes us 10 minutes to drive to Chris' or downtown Hobart. Local shops are only 3 minutes away. Nearest barbecues less. We have enough space and it's nice and easy living on one level.
Rather more entertaining has been discovering many of the lovely bays around here. We are only about 5 miles up the river Derwent so have mostly been exploring both banks of the river and its many inlets and beaches. There are such lovely places and views it has been a pleasure to have the leisure to wander around with Google safely on board to get us home again. With Chris we tend to go to seaside beaches.
Went to look at electric bikes the other day. They're quite popular here to judge by the number of outlets , though we've not seen many on the road. I'm quite interested in getting one for the future in hope of keeping me going that bit longer. Not a good idea to get one too soon though as I'm sure it would tempt me to be lazy.
Sorry I havent been able to include photos. For some reason the latest I can call up from the iPad I'm writing on is September. I'll post more to FB so have a look there if you're interested.
Just heard the news that there was a serious crush at the Falls Festival with 60 injured, 13 seriously. But it was in Victoria, not Tasmania, so there must be several different venues for the same event. That one must have kept the medics busy.
So what else have we been doing? Continuing to stock our rental with bits and bobs from charity shops such as kitchen utensils and containers, DVDs to watch and books to read. I've been thinking often of our Canadian friend Maryse (who may well read this so I'd better be careful). She and her partner travel a great deal and for long periods. She carries with her her favourite chefs knife, yeast flakes and other equipment she feels essential. Here we had no sharp knife, no containers for left-overs etc, no table mats. I know, I know, you're laughing at me, as indeed I am myself. Maryse wouldn't, I'm sure.
Now we're all organised the apartment suits us well. Josie is not often around but very pleasant when we meet. We use her washing machine and clothes rack and lovely garden. It only takes us 10 minutes to drive to Chris' or downtown Hobart. Local shops are only 3 minutes away. Nearest barbecues less. We have enough space and it's nice and easy living on one level.
Rather more entertaining has been discovering many of the lovely bays around here. We are only about 5 miles up the river Derwent so have mostly been exploring both banks of the river and its many inlets and beaches. There are such lovely places and views it has been a pleasure to have the leisure to wander around with Google safely on board to get us home again. With Chris we tend to go to seaside beaches.
Went to look at electric bikes the other day. They're quite popular here to judge by the number of outlets , though we've not seen many on the road. I'm quite interested in getting one for the future in hope of keeping me going that bit longer. Not a good idea to get one too soon though as I'm sure it would tempt me to be lazy.
Sorry I havent been able to include photos. For some reason the latest I can call up from the iPad I'm writing on is September. I'll post more to FB so have a look there if you're interested.
